Advancements in automotive technology have also led to the development of high-tech automotive fluids. One example of this is the cooling system. For decades, the cooling system was primarily made from iron, steel, and rubber hoses. There was only one kind of coolant available to protect the system’s components from corrosion. 

Fast forward to today. Late-model vehicles’ cooling system components are manufactured using various types of metal alloys and plastics. Unsurprisingly, these materials need different types of additives in the coolant to help protect them from corrosion—and since materials vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, there are several different kinds of coolant on the market. 

Understanding the Advancements in Automotive Fluids

Since coolant contains different additives that offer protection for specific materials, it’s important to use the right type. If you add the wrong kind of coolant, it won’t protect the cooling system—and in some cases, it may even void your warranty! If you think you might have used the wrong fluid, it’s best to play it safe. Bring your vehicle to the shop, and our technicians can flush the system and give it a fresh start with the right fluid. 

Brake fluid is another automotive fluid that can cause confusion. In the past, most vehicles used Dot 3 brake fluid; now there’s Dot 4 and Dot 5. Despite what some people think, these new additions aren’t upgrades—they’re completely different formulations specifically designed to meet the needs of different brake systems. Just like coolant, only one type of brake fluid is recommended for your vehicle. 

Transmission fluid also has different formulations designed to meet the advanced needs of modern automatic transmissions. However, nowhere are the advances in automotive fluids more evident than in motor oil. There’s now a variety of formulations and weights manufactured specifically to meet the demands of modern engines. 

A large part of this is due to the fact that modern engines contain more parts and have tighter tolerances than engines of the past. With each passing year, engines are designed to be more powerful and fuel-efficient. This means the oil they use must be formulated to lubricate, clean, and protect more parts while being thin enough to travel through smaller passageways—while also being resistant to vaporization. 

If your vehicle came from the factory with synthetic fluids, it’s important to use synthetics when you have your vehicle serviced. Your service intervals will be based on synthetic fluid intervals, rather than conventional fluid intervals. 

Keep Your Fluids in Check at EuroCar Service

Each type of fluid plays an important role in the way your vehicle functions. Since the grades of oil and types of coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid are so carefully matched to the vehicle, you should always take care to use the correct fluid if you top your fluids off at home. The wrong fluids can cause damage, so check your owner’s manual or ask your service advisor if you’re unsure about what to use. 

If you’re not comfortable checking or topping off your fluids yourself, EuroCar Service is always here to help! We see all European makes, including Audi, Fiat, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes, Mini Cooper, Saab, Jaguar, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Smart Car. Call us today at 206-527-8828 or request an appointment online. 

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